Ashington go clear after maximum points return at Tynedale

Brian Bennett – Ashington CC correspondent

Published:13:04Monday 02 May 2016

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Ashington went 15 points clear at the top of the Go North East Northumberland & Tyneside League after sweeping their way to another maximum haul from their contest against old rivals Tynedale at Hexham on Saturday.

The effects of the inclement weather leading up to the weekend took its toll as Swalwell, Lanchester and defending champions Shotley Bridge were amongst sides laid idle.

But at Priors Flat, the game went ahead and the Colliers, in a contest not too dissimilar to their opener against Benwell & Walbottle the previous week, marched on.

After Ben Harmison had nipped in to have Fellowes caught behind by debutant wicketkeeper Jack McCarthy in the 11th over, a stand developed between home stumper Jamie Crichton and skipper Thomas Cant.

Greg Williams’ side had to be patient, but once left arm spinner Paul Rutherford had intervened to remove the pair, the home side subsided quickly and were routed for 107 just before the completion of the 36th over.

Crichton disturbed his own stumps to bring to an end to a 50-ball knock of 33, which included five fours, then Ashington were similarly buoyant when McCarthy stumped Cant for 20 four overs later.

From 59-3, Rutherford took his tally to four after adding the wickets of Rainford and Mannion, then Ani Singh struck twice to send back Barnes and Leadbitter with Matty Storey swooping to affect the run out of Dagg.

Callum Storey, who took six wickets on the opening day against Benwell & Walbottle, accounted for Renton and Sinclair to mop up the tail, with last man Lucas ending unbeaten on 17.

Rutherford took 4-30 from seven overs; Singh 2-28 from 12; Storey 2-30 from 8.5 and Harmison 1-19 from eight

In reply, the Colliers could hardly have made a more disastrous start, losing Neil Wood and Ani Singh within two overs.

Wood was bowled in the first by Cant with Dagg trapping Singh leg before.

Jack Jessop and Ben O’Brien steadied the ship with a partnership of 52 then after the former had been caught at slip for 30, O’Brien and Sean McCafferty steered their side to victory in the 25th over.